Colorado's path to playoffs

The first-place Rockies now have a puncher's chance at the postseason

Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY SportsCarlos Gonzalez has been a force this season, batting .364 with four home runs and 12 RBIs.

Before the start of the season, it would have been hard to find anyone outside of 2001 Blake St. in Denver who was optimistic about the Colorado Rockies' chances. They started the season ranked No. 28 overall in the ESPN Power Rankings but have moved steadily up. In the second week, they ranked No. 21, then No. 19 in Week 3 and now No. 8, making this the first time in the past two seasons that the Rockies -- who are 13-5 and in first place in the NL West -- have placed in the top 10.

Their turnaround has many purple-clad denizens thinking playoffs, and there is a scenario, however unlikely, that could see Colorado reach the postseason.